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When to plant Catnip in Hamilton County, KS

In Hamilton County, Catnip is a spring-only crop. Plant May 4–May 18 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Catnip in Hamilton County, KS

Catnip is a hardy perennial herb in the mint family known for its effect on cats. It also makes a calming tea and is a useful companion plant that repels some pests.

Hamilton County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.

At an elevation of 871 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Catnip during the growing season.

Hamilton County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
168 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
168 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Hamilton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Catnip

Catnip needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Catnip Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hamilton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Catnip Planting Timeline — Hamilton County, KS

Catnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18
Harvest July 6 Jul 6 – Sep 7

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

168 days in Hamilton County

Growing Tips for Hamilton County

Direct sow or start indoors. Catnip is very easy to grow and can become invasive. Harvest leaves before flowering for tea. Protect young plants from cats.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Catnip in Hamilton County, KS?

Hamilton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Catnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hamilton County, KS?

Hamilton County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 12.

When should I plant Catnip in Hamilton County, KS?

In Hamilton County, KS, plant Catnip after the last frost (around April 27) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hamilton County, KS for Catnip?

Hamilton County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Catnip grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Catnip grow in Hamilton County's climate?

Yes — Catnip grows well in Hamilton County's temperate climate. Hamilton County averages a 168-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 27 and first frost around October 12.

🌱

Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hamilton County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Hamilton County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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